264 
HEKALD 
a splendid Ipomfea, the azure blossoms of which are from four to five inches across, and 
set so close together that hardly a leaf is to be seen, and the whole plant resembles a blue 
sheet, whence it derives its vernacular name, "T^Ianto de la Virgin" (Cloak of the Holy 
Virgin). 
At a greater elevation the tropical forms disappear more and more before those usually 
termed European— ^^e?i/«c^^, Coniferoi, Erkacem, Gentiam^B, Rosacea, etc. Terns, among 
them two famihar acquaintances from Europe, Pteris aquilina and Osmunda regalia, become 
more abundant, if not in species, at least in individuals, especially in the ravines {harancas\ 
localities which, in these as in other parts of Mexico, are amongst the richest the botanist 
can explore. Near the Rancho of Guadalupe the Author found in one of them, among 
many other rare plants, a Lonicera, a Hydrangea, and Chamacgparis thcrifera, a noble tree, 
attaining the height of 100 to 150 feet, and always growing, like the Taxodium disticimm, 
by running streams. 
The table-land is in most parts very thinly wooded. For miles and miles you behold 
nothing save shrubby Opuntias, intermingled with Visachas {Acacia Famesiana, Willd.), 
or groups of Tascate {Juniperus tetragona, Schlecht.) ; indeed the vicinity of Durango can 
only boast of about seven species of indigenous trees, namely, a Willow, the Acacia just 
named, ^Frosopis, Cratagus Mewicana, Taxodimn distichum, Cammiroa edulis, md a Yucca. 
These, together with a few shrubby Acanfhacece, Composite, Scrophularinea, and Cactea, 
and the everywhere prevailing Agaves, are the chief representatives of the Flora one meets 
with during the winter. Of Cactem the immediate neighbourhood offers three Ojnmtias, 
two EcJdiiocacti, and a Mandllaria, 
Several indigenous plants deserve special mention on account of their usefulness to the. 
inhabitants. The round Cactea, vernacularly termed ''Visnagas," are made into sweet- 
meats, sold in the city of Durango by the name of "Dulce de Visnagas." The flowers 
of several Agaves and of a species of Yucca are boiled, and in that state eaten. The Ver-_ 
dolaga {Fortalaca), which grows in great quantity at this coast, is served up as a potherb at 
Mazatlan, where also the young branches of some Opnntias are eaten as salad. The Fresa 
de la Sierra {Fragaria vesca, Linn.), our Wood Strawberry, the ZapcAe bianco [Casiuiiroa edulis, 
LI. et Lex.), the Tejocote {Crafagns Mexicana, Dc Cand.), yield edible fruit, and the Fino 
Pinon {Pinus cemhroides, Zucc.) edible seeds. In the shops of Durango various other indi- 
genous fruits are exposed for sale ;~for instance, edible Acorns and Hickories, both of which 
have not yet been traced to their botanical sources. In the neighbourhood of San Sebastian 
Brazil-wood is cut for exportation, employing a great nmnber of people; large quantities of 
■ it, especially that of the stem, which obtains' about double the price the branches do, are 
daily carried for sale to Mazatlan. 
Tlie coast is but ill supplied with fruit and vegetable, though the climate offers every 
advantage, and the numerous vessels touching there every encouragement for their extensive 
cultivation. Orann-os, Bananas/ Tomatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Cabbage, Beans, Indian Corn, 
